Alright guys, it's your turn this week. I'm going over some basic rules of the dance floor for the new, the old, and the ugly... don't be offended - I'm doing it out of love (and a personal request from one of you). First and most important rule of the social dance floor: Protect your partner! I could write an entire blog about this very subject (and maybe I will someday) but I'm trying to make these shorter so, "Let me sum up". Don't dance her into anyone. Don't throw her around and hurt her shoulders (they're fragile joints). Never, never, never try tricks with a new partner without warning them. In general, tricks are for choreography, not the social scene. Take small steps. Always bag the move for the woman's safety and comfort - (she's more apt to dance with you again that way anyway;). Rule #2: Have fun. Notice the order - it's not a mistake. Some people are so busy having fun they don't realize they're terrorizing the other dancers. But if the woman feels cared for, she can relax and actually have fun. Think of a dance like a marriage - "Happy wife, happy life". If the woman can trust you, she will come alive in your arms - if she does this - meet her in wonderland. #3: It's only dancing! Guys, we love ya', but we also love dancing... for dancin' sake. If we get flirty, it's because you're doing something right. Don't ruin it by gettin' sleezy or hitting on us! And yes, we know the difference. #4: Pay attention. Both in class and during our dance. There are few things worse than a guy who doesn't listen to the teacher then subsequently throws us around because he doesn't know how to lead the move. Even worse, a guy who's scoping out the room for his next partner while dancing with us...come on! #5: Don't look at the floor. You don't have to stare into our eyes, but check in occasionally and smile. Look at our nose, our ear, our chin - or better yet: a combination of all three. I get this question a lot, so play with options that feel good to you (and that don't involve imitating an ostrich). #6: Ask us to dance. We're secretly dying to be asked. Personally, I won't wait that long before I ask someone myself - but a lot of women won't ask for fear of rejection. Let's talk about that. If a woman says no, it doesn't necessarily mean she doesn't like dancing with you. She may legitimately need to use the bathroom. If she says no three times in one night, you may want to ask another lady. Rejection is part of life, sadly. Try not to take it personally! I can almost gaurantee none of you has heard the word "No" as many times as I have and I'm still kickin'! For my ladies reading this, you can always ask a guy, too. Don't waste a night holding up the wall. And last, but definitely not least, Move your body. It's called "dancing" for a reason - you're supposed to move - preferably to the rhythm, but we understand that can be hard to find. The woman follows what you do with your body, so don't stand still and just move your hands. Everything should come from your center. Think that over, then call me for a lesson if you need to. Your job is demanding. We realize that and appreciate you having the balls (yes I said it) to try it. Now that we all know what's expected of us on the dance floor (ladies read my previous post) - let's tear it up! See you on the hardwood.